GRANT Bayton won the second edition of the Winchcombe Kermesse a fine solo attack on the last lap of the 60 mile race.
The Ride 24/7 rider, who is current leader of the Cotswold Cycle Racing League, held tight in the pack before baking a daring move as the race neared its conlusion During the race a number of riders tried to escape a fast moving peloton with varying success.
Bayton’s Cirencester-based team kept their speed high against that succession of strong attacks.
Eventually, one of their riders – ex-professional Ben Luckwell – broke clear, however, it was clear that the 60 strong peloton weren't going to let him escape and they were soon reeled in.
This prompted more attacks, with two further riders breaking clear. Both held the peloton at around 30 seconds for a number laps but, again, the pursuers wouldn't let them gain more than a minute’s advantage.
Once the breakaway had been caught, the race looked set for a bunch sprint for the finish line.
However Bayton had other ideas. Attacking as the bell sounded outside the Harvest Home pub, he quickly built up a strong advantage.
Ascending the final rise before the finishing descent, the peloton chased hard but Bayton held a narrow margin to clinch the win.
Ben Carty of Felt-Colbournes jumped clear in the finish straight to take a fine second place, ahead of Luckwell who won the bunch gallop to the line.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here